After shouting out what was in his heart, Yang Lun walked out of the Ministry of Justice feeling refreshed and clear-headed.
Not caring that Deng Ying walked slowly behind him, he strode forward, talking as he went: “Next time you come to the Ministry of Justice, don’t bother filling out those interrogation forms. I saw all that nonsense you were making up on them.”
Deng Ying replied, “I wasn’t making things up, that was a confession of guilt.”
“Making things up is making things up, what confession?”
Deng Ying couldn’t help but laugh, “Yang Zixi, are you helping me or harming me?”
Yang Lun turned back, “For my sister’s sake, I want to make things easier for you.”
“You didn’t need to upset Minister Bai that much though.”
Yang Lun waved his hand dismissively: “After so many years in officialdom, I know Bai Yuyang’s type, and he knows mine. Once his anger passes, it’s done. Don’t think too much about it.”
Deng Ying nodded with a smile and turned toward the Eastern Depot’s carriage.
The two got off at the East Peace Gate.
Seeing Yang Wan standing under the gate, Yang Lun didn’t even bother taking out his Cabinet credentials and turned to leave.
“Brother, what are you doing?”
Yang Lun stopped in his tracks and reluctantly turned back. Before Yang Wan could speak, he fired off words like a string of firecrackers.
“Let me tell you, Yang Wan, I only punched him once that day, and I didn’t even use much force. Besides, he deserved it. If you dare say one word about it today, I’ll immediately write a note to His Majesty and have him locked up in the Ministry of Justice tomorrow.”
Hearing this, Yang Wan was stunned for a long while before laughing.
“I wasn’t going to say anything about that.”
“Huh?”
Yang Lun was suddenly embarrassed.
But Yang Wan grabbed his arm firmly, “I want Deng Ying to hit you back.”
Then she called to Deng Ying, “Little Ying, come here and hit him.”
Standing in the wind, Deng Ying looked at Yang Lun’s awkward expression and said, “Wan-wan, if I strike a court official, I’ll be convicted of a crime.”
With Yang Wan twisting his arm, Yang Lun didn’t dare move. “Yang Wan, I’m your brother, surely you wouldn’t…”
Only then did Yang Wan release his arm, “Who told you to lay hands on him? The young prince’s temperament has improved so much lately, yet you’re still charging around like a big bull.”
Yang Lun’s face immediately reddened, “What did you call me?”
“Yang Big Bull!”
Yang Lun couldn’t stand it anymore and stepped toward Yang Wan, “Say that again.”
Yang Wan laughed, “Yang Big Bull is cute, isn’t it, Little Ying?”
She even made bull horns with her fingers at Yang Lun.
“You…”
Yang Lun was so choked up he couldn’t speak.
Deng Ying said, “It was my fault, stop quarreling.”
Yang Lun snapped at Deng Ying, “Quarrel with her? Do I have time for that?”
As he spoke, he stalked off toward the Huiji Gate with his neck stiff, not looking back.
Yang Wan watched Yang Lun’s retreating figure, unable to stop laughing.
Deng Ying said, “Only you, Wan-wan, would dare speak to him like that.”
Yang Wan continued laughing to herself, “He’s not as rigid as I thought.”
Then she turned to Deng Ying and asked, “Are you on duty at the Directorate of Ceremonial today?”
“Yes.”
“Then come to Chengqian Palace after your shift. I’ll have Heyu keep the side door open for you.”
When Deng Ying didn’t respond, Yang Wan added, “Don’t worry, His Highness wants to see you. Also, I have an idea that might help you and Minister Bai. Come by later, and I’ll explain in detail.”
That night, sure enough, a wind lantern was lit by the side door of Chengqian Palace.
Heyu stood at the door, and seeing Deng Ying walking with difficulty, moved to help him, but Deng Ying raised his hand to decline, climbing the steps himself.
Heyu said softly, “Imperial Physician Luo is inside taking His Highness’s pulse, and Lady Wan is there too. Let me guide you in, Supervisor.”
Deng Ying said, “I’ll wait outside for a while.”
Just as he finished speaking, the main door of the rear hall suddenly opened.
Deng Ying looked up to see Yi Lang standing alone in the doorway.
Deng Ying bowed deeply, the chains on his hands and feet clanking together as he moved, making a sound that embarrassed him.
Yi Lang accepted his bow and said evenly, “Rise and come in.”
Deng Ying straightened up and said, “This servant will wait to attend Your Highness in the study.”
Yi Lang said, “I’m not studying today.”